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Sydney and Berne Davis Arts Center says 140,000 annual visitors and $6M in local audience spending
Summary
Devin Parker, CEO of the Sydney and Berne Davis Arts Center, told council the center estimates 140,000 annual attendance and over $6 million in audience-related spending, outlined season programming, education outreach and staff growth.
Devin Parker, who introduced himself as CEO and president of the Sydney and Berne Davis Arts Center, presented the center’s annual report to the Fort Myers council on Jan. 5. He said the Arts Center uses national Arts & Economic Prosperity metrics and estimates about 140,000 people annually attend events at or hosted in the facility, with audience-related spending exceeding $6 million (not including admission fees).
Parker highlighted season programming for early 2026 — including a jazz series beginning this week and a chamber series featuring Hina Kwang Hu and other rising stars — and emphasized education and community outreach such as performances in local schools and partnerships with FGCU. He said staff has grown to more than 10 full-time employees and over 15 part-time staff to support events and education programs.
Council thanked Parker and invited questions; he provided program brochures and ticket discount information for council members. The presentation was framed as an economic and cultural driver for downtown Fort Myers.
